Plant Profile: Canna glauca
Karen Canna glauca is a herbaceous perennial in the Cannaceae family that is most closely related to ginger, bird of paradise, and banana. It is native to the West indies and…
Beneficial Insects and how to Attract Them: Dragonfly
Dragonflies belong to a group of insects that have very small antennae, very large eyestwo pairs of transparent wings, and colorful elongated bodies. There are over 3000 species of dragonfly…
Plant Profile: Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
Buttonbush, also called honey-bells and button-willow, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to wetlands such as swamps, marshes, riverbanks, and floodplains from New Brunswick and Minnesota south to…
Book Review: Small Spaces Big Ideas
You might think your backyard, patio, or balcony is too small for a garden but author Philippa Pearson will prove you wrong with her book, Small Space Big Ideas. In…
Plant Profile: Goat’s Beard (Aruncus dioicus)
This shrub-like herbaceous perennial, also known as bride’s feather, is native to North America, and northern Europe and Asia where it grows in moist woodlands. It is a member of…
Plant Profile: Corkscrew Rush (Juncus effusus ‘Spiralis’)
This grass-like rhizomaceous perennial that can be found growing in standing water is an excellent choice for water gardens, bogs, pond edges and other wet areas. It forms clumps of…
Plant Profile: Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)
The sacred lotus, also known as Indian lotus, is an aquatic perennial native to tropical Asia and Australia. It is one of two extant species in the Nelumbonaceae family and…
Plant Profile: ‘Bowles Golden’ Sedge (Carex elata ‘Bowles Golden’)
The bright yellow new growth of “Bowles Golden Sedge is the perfect plant to brighten up up a moist shady spot. The leaves are actually yellow with green margins but…
Mid-May Visit to Biltmore Estate Gardens, Ashville, North Carolina
A visit to Biltmore’s garden is always a treat and going the third week of May was especially nice. The drive to the house was lush and green, and banners…
Plant Profile: Creeping Jenny (Lysamachia nummularia ‘Aurea’)
This fast growing groundcover can quickly spread all over the garden and even into the lawn. It is not to everyone’s liking but I find it very attractive and useful…